Coaches' Corner: Damon Martin of Adams State

Since taking over for coaching icon Joe Vigil in the 1990s, Damon Martin has galvanized the Adams State College cross country program to one of the most successful in the U.S. at any level. His teams swept the NCAA Division II championships last year, the men’s team winning for the third time in Martin’s tenure and the women’s team winning their sixth straight title and 14th in 17 years. With its top six runners returning this fall, including Aaron Braun (second at nationals last year), Brian Medigovich (sixth), Ryan McNiff (14th), Luke Cragg (21st), Florian Theophile (25th) and Drew Graham (43rd), plus this spring’s NCAA Division II 3,000m steeplechase champion Reuben Chebon-Mewi, the Grizzlies should be ready for another title run come November. A former standout 1500m runner at University of Arkansas-Monticello and 1988 U.S. Olympic trials competitor, Martin, 46, has earned 19 national coach of the year awards in cross country.

Running Times: Despite your success, is it difficult finding the right kids for the program each year?

Damon Martin: My first three years here I called everyone; I was young and I had the time. But 90 percent of those kids – state champs, Foot Locker finalists – they all want to go DI, and they won’t consider us. We’re always looking for the kids who really want to be here. I don’t ever what to have a kid come here who feels like he’s settling to come here. I want kids who are still hungry, kids that are motivated and kids that are excited about coming to Alamosa and Adams State. We’re a small town and we have a great educational program, but at the same time we don’t have a mall or some of those things. So I guess we’re looking for kids who aren’t impressed by the bright city lights, who are more focused about getting their education and progressing as runners. The kids that come here have plenty of fun, but it’s more in the way of hiking and rafting and being outdoors and things like that.

How have you helped Aaron Braun go from a 4:24 1600m/9:34 3200m runner in high school to a 3:39 1500m /13:36 5,000m runner in four years?

DM: I think Aaron Braun is one of those special young men, who I guess didn’t want to be defined by what he did in high school. He’s very hungry, he wants to do a great job and really desires to get to the next level, and not just collegiately but to the finals of the Olympic trials. If you have some basic essential tools you can get a ton better at distance running, and he has those. He’s very motivated and driven, and he’s very talented mentally, as well as physically. He’s never grumbled about hard work, he just says, “Coach, tell me what I need to do to get better for next year.” He’s a special young man that way.

How much does high-altitude training come into your weekly training?

DM: For those who haven’t been here, Alamosa is flatter than a pancake. But we do drive to the mountains once a week for a workout. I really love the rolling hills at Fort Garland; hills roll from 7,800 feet to 9,000 feet. Some are straight up, some are rolling hills. Depending on what I feel like the kids need for a given week, we’ll add some of those into the mix.

Have you ever considered coaching at a Division I program?

DM: This is the first job I’ve ever had. I was a graduate assistant here when I was 21 and was named the head coach at 25. I’ve had offers, but Alamosa is a great place to live. The people are genuine to me and are genuinely interested in our program. We’ll have 500 or 600 people for our home cross country meets, and it’s only a town of about 9,000 people. People say, “Never say never,” but I’m very happy here.

Why don’t more Foot Locker finalists run for Adams State?

DM: Most people don’t even consider that if you go to a Division II school that you could be a good runner or a good athlete. They think you’re second-tier. I tell our kids that if you come here we’re going to provide you with the best coaching we can possibly provide you with, we’re going to give you many, many opportunities to succeed. I try to convince them that they can be as good here as they can anywhere, and that’s evident in that the best runners in the world come from Third World countries. And what I mean by that is that money doesn’t make you a better runner. It’s hard work, putting your time and effort into it, and getting the opportunities to race fast times.

How does Adams State’s rivalry with Western State help your program?

DM: I don’t think there is any better rivalry in any sport, anywhere. I think we’re somewhat blessed to have each other. It really brings out the best in you to have someone who is elite and is going to challenge you all the time. We run against each other so much, as soon as one program does something, the other one wants to top it. It’s a constant measuring stick.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Runner's World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.